1985 Ford Diesel Van

bigshrimpin · #1 01-13-2008, 02:27 AM

I'm going to look at this Van Tomorrow. Anyone know if these babies were any good.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/car/535974017.html

macojoe · #2 01-13-2008, 06:57 AM

I don't know to much about the early ford diesel, But they did have some good ones at one point. One thing for sure she will tow!!
I had a few Dodge Van's when I had my biz and they towed great! I think the best thing I have ever towed with vans!!

willy · #3 01-13-2008, 08:32 AM

they are good vans, if it is the 7.3 diesel, good engine. problem with all of the diesel fords is the transmission tends to go between 80-120,000 miles. that is there achillees heel.

THEFERMANATOR · #4 01-13-2008, 12:25 PM

An 86 should be a 6.9L IIRC, unless somebody has swapped it out for a 7.3L along the way. The tranny in 86 was the nearly indestructable FORD C-6, they did not have the problems that the later electronic transmissions had with short life expectancy due to FORD trying to make them shift like cars. If it is a 6.9L, they are pretty gutless. Don't expect it to be a speed demon. They also have problems with the glow plugs in them breaking off and going through the engine best case scenario, worst case they take the engine with them. Only use BERU glow plugs(available at AUTOZONE under the MOTORCRAFT brand), never use AUTOLITES or BOSCH. Other than the glow plug issue they were pretty good vehicles, and you could always turbo it and make her run and pull respectable.

All the reading you could want on a FORD diesel.
http://forums.thedieselstop.com/forums/

http://forums.thedieselstop.com/foru...oard=22&page=1